TheNameDBTownley
TopographicMeaning
Derived from an English place name meaning 'town clearing' or 'settlement in a clearing'.
Etymology
Composed of Old English 'tun' (settlement/town) and 'leah' (clearing/meadow), indicating origin from a specific English location. The surname became hereditary among those who lived in or came from such places.
About the Townley Surname
An English topographic surname derived from place names indicating a settlement in a clearing. The name has maintained modest distribution and is associated with English gentry and notable collectors.
Distribution
Found in England and English-speaking countries, with moderate distribution in North America.
Notable Bearers
Charles Townley (art collector), Townley family (English gentry)